Kenya has commenced preparations for its participation in the 26th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30th October to 8th November 2026.
The preparations officially kicked off yesterday following the commissioning of the multi-sectoral National Organizing Committee by the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya.
The trade fair will be held under the theme “Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture” and is expected to bring together more than 1,000 enterprises from the eight EAC Partner States.
Speaking during the commissioning, CS Dr. Oparanya noted that Kenya is participating from a position of strength, having consistently ranked among Rwanda’s top five sources of imports, with more than 1,300 Kenyan companies already trading in the Rwandan market. The CS further observed that Kenya is Rwanda’s second-largest agricultural supplier and its largest supplier from within Africa, placing this year’s horticulture priority squarely within Kenya’s proven strength.
He directed the National Organizing Committee to critically review MSE product offerings ahead of the fair. All products destined for Kigali must be 100% Kenyan-made and meet international market requirements, a standard that positions Kenyan MSMEs to compete effectively in regional and global markets.
Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya giving his remarks during the launch.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, highlighted the immense market potential presented by the EAC, which has a population of approximately 331 million people and a combined GDP of USD 356 billion. She noted that this presents a significant opportunity for Kenyan MSMEs to access regional markets and integrate into regional and global value chains.
MSEA Board Chairman, Mr. James Mureu, underscored the importance of market access in driving enterprise growth, job creation and productive investment within the MSME sector. He noted that creating sustainable market opportunities is critical to enabling MSMEs to grow and expand their businesses.
Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, and MSEA Board Chairman, Mr. James Mureu giving their remarks during the launch.
MSEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Rithaa, noted that all products available from Kenyan MSEs will be marketed through MSEA’s marketing portal, supporting technology-enabled fulfilment and extending market access beyond the trade fair. He further highlighted MSEA’s efforts to champion forward linkages and aggregation of MSME products, enabling enterprises to continue accessing the EAC market and other markets long after the trade fair concludes. These efforts will also position Kenyan MSMEs to tap into the wider 1.3 billion-person African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.
MSEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Rithaa and Uwezo Fund Chief Executive Officer Peter Lengapiani giving their remarks.
Managing Director Kenya Industrial Estates Mr. Nelson Mwamini, Chairman of the Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organizations (CMSEO) – Kenyan Chapter Mr. John Kihiu, Felix Ndunda representing Federation of Juakali Associations and other stakeholders giving their remarks.
The Multi-sectoral National Organizing Committee has representation from Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency, The Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organization Kenya Chapter, Uwezo Fund, Hustler Fund among other notable stakeholders.
MSEA is spearheading Kenya’s participation in the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair and will facilitate 500 MSEs to exhibit at the event. Kenyan MSMEs interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance before the 30th September 2026 deadline.
For registration and participation enquiries, contact the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) on +254 770 666 000.
The 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair presents an important platform for Kenyan enterprises to connect, trade, expand their markets and grow within the EAC and beyond.
